Boeing Scraps 787 Wireless System

Boeing scrapped plans to use a wireless system to deliver broadband in-flight entertainment (IFE) on the B787 Dreamliner, set to fly for the first time in August, citing technology and weight concerns. Boeing said switching from a wireless to a wired IFE system produces a net weight reduction of about 150 pounds. Also, Boeing could not get permission to use certain wireless frequencies from some countries, Boeing spokeswoman Lori Gunter said. Gunter declined to say which countries were unwilling to approve the frequencies, but said the United States was not among them. The wired system, Gunter said, will deliver higher quality and more stable performance of the IFE system. She added further IFE advancements are planned for the 787 in the next few years. “We are working with the industry to deliver a wireless broadband solution for laptop users but expect this will not enter service on the first airplanes. It is not expected to be ready until late 2009,” Gunter said. More